How to strengthen your child's immunity

How to strengthen your child's immunity

 Childhood immunity:

   * The immunity of the human body develops over time, the more the body is exposed to germs, the more the immune system will develop, and therefore children's immunity may be relatively weaker.  Because everything around them is new to them, and children's illness is inevitable, and there is no magic cure that can help parents avoid their children's illness, but they can try.  To strengthen the immunity of their children by natural means to become more able to resist the disease in the following ways:

   How to strengthen a child's  :

   * When breastfeeding during pregnancy, some antibodies pass from mother to child through the placenta and remain in the baby's immune system for several months after birth.  According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a mother should exclusively breastfeed her baby for the first six months of life.  Rather, breastfeeding, in addition to providing the child with all the nutrients he needs, supports the child's immunity in a way that breastfeeding does not provide.  This happens in several ways, including: Colostrum: It is the milk that the infant receives in the first days of breastfeeding, and differs in the concentration of its components from the milk that is produced later.

   * Its importance for the child's immunity is that it contains a high percentage of natural immune bodies that are secreted by the mother's body and are called "immunoglobulin A".  These bodies form a protective layer for the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, as well as the intestine, and help protect them from germs.  That you may be exposed to.  Breast milk continues to supply the infant with immunoglobulins, but at a lower level than colostrum milk, and breast milk transfers the antibodies produced by the mother's body to the infant when it is exposed to various viruses and bacteria, which gives it the ability to resist these germs in the surrounding environment.

   * Studies have shown that babies who get breast milk are less likely to contract stomach viruses, allergies, respiratory diseases, meningitis, and ear infections, and the results of a study conducted at the National Institute of Infants.  Environmental Health Sciences showed that the mortality rate in children from 28 days to one year was lower in breastfed babies, and the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the more positive the results.

   * Adherence to vaccinations Adherence to the schedule of vaccinations for children, God willing, prevents infection with about fourteen serious and contagious diseases.  Such as measles and whooping cough, which can pose a risk to a child's health, and long-term problems, some of which may lead to death.  When the child's body is exposed to a vaccine against these diseases, it makes the necessary antibodies to fight these diseases, and therefore vaccines provide future protection in case they are exposed to them.

   Adequate nutrition:

   * Providing children with healthy and balanced foods that supply their bodies with vitamins and minerals that improve the functioning of their immune system, in addition to obtaining antioxidants that protect immune cells from oxidation that may interfere with their work. It should be noted that the largest and most common cause of immunodeficiency around the world  It is poor nutrition.  Whereas, a deficiency - even if it is slight - in one of the following nutrients can negatively affect the functioning of the human immune system and its resistance to diseases: Iron.  Zinc.  Selenium.  Folic acid.  Copper.  Vitamin A.  vitamin C.  Vitamin E.  Vitamin B6. Vitamin B12.

   * The following tips can be followed to achieve a healthy and balanced diet and obtain the nutrients that the immune system needs to function at its peak: Provide children with a varied and balanced diet, with an emphasis on the importance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat protein sources.  Feed children foods rich in zinc that support the immune system, such as red meat and liver, and certain types of legumes such as beans, lentils and peas.  Milk is one of the foods that help the immune system.  Because it contains beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that help the immune system function, one study found that the odds of colds and throat and ear infections for children who drank yogurt were 19.% less.

   * Providing foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids that relieve eczema in children and the resulting inflammation in the immune system's response to diseases, and this may also play a role in improving cell performance. The immune system resists diseases, and these fatty acids are found in certain types of fish.  Nuts, green leafy vegetables, and some fortified foods can also be found in good amounts of fruits and vegetables, especially those that have immune system-boosting properties such as strawberries, citrus fruits, carrots, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and sweet green peppers.

   * Garlic is an immune food because it contains compounds that have the ability to fight and expel intestinal germs and parasites.  It should be noted that overeating and weight gain also affect the body's immunity.  Adequate sleep: The fact that the child does not sleep for enough hours affects the functioning of his immune system and the number of white blood cells decreases, so it is important to organize the child's time to ensure that he gets enough sleep.  Overnight hours The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following number of hours based on age: Newborns 0-3 months: 14 to 17 hours per day are recommended, and at least 11 hours per day.  Infants from 4 to 11 months: 12 to 15 hours per day, and no less than 10 hours per day, are recommended.  Children from 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours a day, and no less than 9 hours a day.  Children 3 to 5 years old: Recommended for 10 to 13 hours per day, no less than 8 hours per day.  Children 6 to 13 years old: 9 to 11 hours per day recommended, at least 7 hours per day.

   Sports and Movement:

   * There is no direct relationship between exercise and the immune system, except that exercise improves blood circulation and improves heart and lung health, which benefits and strengthens the immune system.  Therefore, it is recommended that children be encouraged to play, move, and participate in school and other sports.  Maintaining hygiene: Teaching children to maintain personal hygiene protects them from infections and diseases, and the following is recommended: Emphasize the importance of children washing their hands after using the bathroom, playing outdoors, and before eating.  Teach children to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing, and to stay away from those with contagious diseases.

   * Do not share personal items such as a child's toothbrush.  Dietary supplements Some people may provide the child with nutritional supplements to increase his immunity, but it is not recommended to give the child the vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of his immune system in the form of nutritional supplements.  It is best obtained from the diet, and in special cases the doctor is asked to prescribe nutritional supplements only.  Do not misuse antibiotics. The use of antibiotics does not directly affect the child's immunity. However, frequent and excessive use of antibiotics leads to the emergence of strains of germs that are resistant to drugs.